Choosing a USB to RS232 adapter involves considering chipset reliability, compatibility with Windows, Mac, and Linux, and the correct connector gender for your device. This guide highlights five well-regarded options and explains what to look for when pairing legacy serial devices with modern computers. The selections cover FTDI, Prolific, and other reputable chipsets to support a range of applications from POS systems to lab equipment.
Selected Products Overview
| Product | Brand | Connector | Chipset | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OIKWAN USB to RS232 with FTDI Chipset (6ft) | OIKWAN | DB9 Male | FTDI | 6 ft |
| SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB9 | SABRENT | DB9 Male | Prolific | 2.5 ft |
| Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter | Gearmo | DB9 Male | FTDI | 5 ft |
| CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter with PL2303 | CableCreation | DB9 Female | PL2303 | 6.6 ft |
| StarTech USB to Serial Adapter Cable | StarTech.com | DB9 Male | Prolific | 1 ft |
Note: Each product section below links directly to the corresponding Amazon listing for quick access to specifications and compatibility notes. The features listed reflect the manufacturer descriptions and common use cases for USB to RS232 adapters.
OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter With FTDI Chipset
The OIKWAN adapter uses an FTDI chipset to provide USB 2.0 to RS232 DB9 serial connectivity. It supports Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, enabling one-way data transfer at up to 1 Mbps. The unit emphasizes advice on matching pin gender (DB9 9-pin) and prompts users to install drivers from the FT232 or Cisco sources before use. It is designed for diverse devices including modems, label printers, POS gear, PLC controllers, and CNC equipment.
SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB9 Converter Cable
The SABRENT USB to RS232 adapter uses a Prolific chipset and supports a broad OS range, including Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and older Windows versions. It is designed for simple Plug & Play setup, providing a straightforward bridge between a USB port and a RS-232 DB9 serial device. This makes it suitable for barcode scanners, cash registers, CNC equipment, and other legacy peripherals requiring a DB9 connection.
Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter With LED Indicators
Gearmo offers an FTDI-based USB to RS-232 adapter with built-in LED indicators for easy testing of host-to-device connections. The 5-foot cable length supports desktop setups and fieldwork, and its broad OS compatibility includes Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and newer Windows versions. The dual-color LED display helps verify signal activity during troubleshooting and setup in lab, industrial, or POS environments.
OIKWAN USB to RS232 Serial Adapter With FTDI Chipset (Female DB9)
This OIKWAN model uses an FTDI chipset and features a female DB9 connector. It supports Windows, Mac, and Linux environments with USB 2.0; drivers are available from FTDI or Cisco sources. The device is positioned for devices requiring a DB9 female port, such as certain modems and point-of-sale hardware, with an emphasis on compatibility and driver support.
CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter With PL2303 Chipset
CableCreation’s adapter uses the Prolific PL2303 chipset and offers a 6.6-foot connection. It provides DB9 serial connectivity for devices like cash registers, barcode scanners, and CNC machines. The product notes specify a female RS232 connector, and drivers are downloadable from CableCreation’s site. Compatibility spans Windows, Mac, Linux, and various ISDN/modem peripherals.
StarTech.com USB to Serial Adapter Cable (1 Port)
StarTech’s USB to RS-232 adapter cable provides a portable solution with Prolific chipset support. It is designed to be compact for professionals on the go and supports USB 1.0/2.0/3.0 ports. The device enables DB9 serial connections for a wide range of equipment including barcode scanners, switches, POS devices, and medical instruments, while supporting multiple operating systems.
Tripp Lite Keyspan High-Speed USB to Serial Adapter
The Keyspan adapter delivers USB-A to DB9 RS232 serial connectivity with a short 3-foot cable. It is recognized as a COM port by software, enabling easy use with programs relying on legacy serial interfaces. It draws power directly from the USB port and does not require an external power supply, simplifying deployment in office or lab environments.
EC Buying USB 2.0 to Serial DB-9 RS232 Adapter
EC Buying offers a USB 2.0 to 9-pin RS232 adapter that emphasizes easy installation with no external power and driver-based setup. It is marketed for connecting USB-equipped computers to various MCU boards, LCD displays, modems, and other devices lacking a native serial port. The adapter supports a broad range of Windows versions and Linux, featuring plug-and-play suitability for many serial-enabled peripherals.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For USB To Serial Adapters
- Chipset and driver support: FTDI and Prolific are common, with strong Windows, Mac, and Linux compatibility. Check driver availability for your OS version and whether drivers are still actively hosted by the manufacturer.
- Connector gender and pin count: Ensure the connector matches your device (DB9 male vs. DB9 female). Some devices require female DB9, others male; verify pin count is 9, not 15, to avoid mismatches.
- Data rate and reliability: Most adapters support up to 1 Mbps or higher; assess whether this meets your device’s baud rate and latency requirements for control systems, POS, or measurement gear.
- Cable length and portability: Longer cables aid desktop use or fieldwork but may affect signal integrity in some setups. Consider a compact, portable adapter for travel use.
- OS compatibility and use case: Determine whether you need Windows, macOS, or Linux compatibility, and whether the adapter supports virtualization or virtualization software if used in a VM.
- Power and ease of setup: Examine whether the adapter is self-powered or draws from USB, and whether it offers Plug & Play installation or requires driver configuration and reboot.
- LED indicators and troubleshooting: Some models include signal indicators to simplify testing and diagnostics in industrial or laboratory environments.
- Warranty and support: Look for multi-year warranties and responsive customer support for enterprise or critical-use scenarios.